PLANT CITY, Fla. — It’s mid-afternoon at Plant City High School and Sarah Mallah is dishing out great advice to one of her students.

"Before you get into a doctoral with pediatrics…," she tells a young man. "You are going to have to get a bachelor’s degree. And your bachelor’s degree would be pre-med."

For the past 10 years, Mallah has helped guide Plant City High students make the most important decision of a life time: Where to go after high school graduation.

"I want them to discover what is best for them and their future," Mallah said. "I want to be a guiding force for them and be able to be here to answer questions about getting themselves to the next level."

That translates into lots of one on one time helping kids focus on what's important.

"I'm really good at math," said Brittany Mercedes. "But I'm usually in sports and I don't focus on what's in it. She tries to get me to stay on top of my classes and stay on top of my grades."

Then there's the question of where to go to college.

"I want to go to Texas A&M but I kind of want to stay in state too so I can stay around family. I’m just trying to find the best fit for me," said Rhet Conyers sporting a bright red football jersey.

No surprise Mallah got her inspiration from her teachers. 

"I had so many amazing, amazing teachers to guide me and help me, not only with my academic life, but my social decisions as well. And I really felt a strong connection and that’s we need for more and more of our kids."

It's a connection that goes well beyond high school.

“I love my students,” Mallah said. “I am always here for them. I stay in touch with them through college graduation.  I want them to reach out to me and know they have someone supporting them no matter what.”